Planning Officer

Hillingdon Council; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Uxbridge is seeking a Planning Officer to handle various planning applications and provide high-quality advice. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and experience in a local authority. Benefits include flexible working hours and a generous holiday entitlement, aiming to support a rewarding career in planning.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

36 Hour Work Week

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Discounts at leisure centres

Local Government Pension Scheme

Mental Health Support

Qualifications

• Experience working as a planner/planning assistant, ideally within a local authority setting.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or working towards it.
• A full UK driving licence is essential for this role.

Responsibilities

• Determine a diverse portfolio of planning applications.
• Provide high-quality advice through our pre-application service.
• Offer guidance to residents, applicants, agents, councillors, and colleagues.
• Contribute to planning appeal work.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Excellent organisational skills

Proactive approach

Strong ICT skills

Ability to manage competing priorities

Education

Diploma or Degree in RTPI accredited Town & Country Planning

Job description

About the role

The Development Management service is recruiting a Planning Officer to work in one of our Area Planning Teams.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and capable individual to progress in their planning career. The role will provide opportunities to expand your existing knowledge under the successful guidance and support of a team of experienced planners.

You will:

• Determine a diverse portfolio of planning applications, from householder to minor and (depending on experience) major developments.
• Provide high-quality advice through our pre-application service.
• Offer general guidance to residents, applicants, agents, councillors, and colleagues.
• Contribute to planning appeal work, including preparing submissions to the Planning Inspectorate.

About You

We’re looking for candidates who are passionate about planning and delivering great outcomes for our communities.

You must have:

• A Diploma or Degree in a Town & Country Planning RTPI accredited course at graduate or post graduate level.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), or be working towards it.
• Experience working as a planner/planning assistant, ideally within a local authority setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear, concise reports.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• A positive, proactive approach and willingness to engage with residents, communities, and stakeholders.
• Strong ICT skills, including the ability to learn and use service-specific software.

A full UK driving licence is essential for this role.

For a detailed list of essential criteria, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

For further information, or an informal discussion about the role, please contact Chris Brady - Area Planning Team Leader - Central and South ([e-mail]).

Please note that the essential criteria on the job description for this role is for Planning Officer POA.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation\'s success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject tothe following pre-employment screening:

• Qualifications Check
• 3 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.